M-Sport has pulled the covers off its new Ford Fiesta WRC rally car, which will be used in the 2017 World Rally Championship.
The new contender has been constructed to the latest technical regulations implemented by the FIA, and is based on the recently revealed Fiesta road car – producing 380bhp and 331lb/ft of torque from its Ecoboost engine.
M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson OBE said: “Entering a new era in the FIA World Rally Championship, there is a real sense of excitement throughout the team, and rightly so as I believe we have created something extremely special in the new Ford Fiesta WRC.”
The new Fiesta WRC is equipped with an imposing CFD designed aerodynamic bodykit that incorporates front and rear splitters, dive planes and a large rear wing.
Beneath the striking exterior, there is a new six-speed sequential gearbox with hydraulic shift as well as a multi-disc clutch and an active centre differential, which aids the car’s control and performance.
Ventilated brake discs with four-piston monoblock calipers provide greater stopping power, while new MacPherson struts with Reiger external reservoir dampers are fully adjustable.
A steel rollcage is welded to the chassis for improved safety, while the volume of energy absorbing foam has also been increased.
M-Sport head of engineering Chris Williams said: “A tremendous amount of effort, passion and enthusiasm has gone into this project and there has been a real commitment from our entire team.
“Designing a brand new car from a completely clean sheet of paper has allowed our team to re-evaluate every single component to produce the lightest and most innovative car possible.”